Charles Osgood has announced his retirement as anchor of CBS Sunday Morning, calling an end to a remarkable 22-year reign of the popular, quietly eye-opening program. Osgood, who has been at CBS for 45 years, has set September 25 as his final broadcast as anchor of Sunday Morning, and CBS plans a celebration of his career during the episode.

The network says Osgood, 84, will continue as the anchor of The Osgood File on CBS Radio Network and various stations, and he’ll also make occasional appearances on the Sunday TV program.

The 90-minute special edition on September 25, 9 AM ET, will include surprise guests, interviews, comments from well-wishers and special performances.

On today’s broadcast, the anchor said, “Some of you may have heard rumors lately that I won’t be hosting these Sunday Morning broadcasts very much longer. Well, I’m here to tell you that the rumors are true. For years now people — even friends and family — have been asking me why I keep doing this considering my age. I am pushing 84. It’s just that it’s been such a joy doing it! Who wouldn’t want to be the one who gets to introduce these terrific storytellers and the producers and writers and others who put this wonderful show together. I want to thank all of them and all of you in our still-growing audience for your support and encouragement. It’s been a great run, but after nearly 50 years at CBS, including the last 22 years here on Sunday Morning, the time has come. The date is set for me to do my farewell Sunday Morning. It’s September the 25th, after which you can still see me on the radio. The Osgood File continues.”

“Charlie is not just beloved by our viewers. He’s beloved by all of us who work each week crafting the stories we put on the program,” said Rand Morrison, executive producer of CBS Sunday Morning. “Working with him truly has been an honor, a privilege and a joy. We look forward to paying tribute to him and his legendary career in September — and, of course, seeing him on the radio.”

“Charles Osgood has one of the most distinctive voices in broadcasting, guiding each broadcast, making sure the words were just right, and being a calming, reassuring presence to our viewers,” said David Rhodes, President of CBS News. “His impeccable commitment to quality inspires all of us at CBS News.”

Last January, Deadline reported that Osgood was prepping to step down from his longterm perch, and was slated for knee surgery in February.

Osgood’s departure will mark yet another recent major change to the Sunday viewing habits of millions of Americans, following the August 16 death of John McLaughlin and the subsequent cancellation of his long-running Sunday talker The McLaughlin Group.